Antiviolence campaign to cost $100m

WELLINGTON: More than $100 million will be spent over four years in an effort to stamp out family violence and sexual violence.

This year’s Budget will provide the money after the Government launched a major antiviolence strategy in December.

Minister for Prevention of Family Violence and Sexual Violence Marama Davidson said yesterday $38.1 million more would go for communityled integrated responses.

The Government in December launched Te Aorerekura, a national strategy to eliminate family violence and sexual violence.

The strategy included six priorities, including building skilled, culturally competent and sustainable workforces, and encouraging an increased capacity for healing.

All up, $114.5 million will be allocated over four years to fund Te Aorerekura.

National Party social investment spokeswoman Louise Upston said New Zealand had an ‘‘absolutely awful’’ record in family violence.

On educating children, she said it was concerning that funding had been cut for ACC’s Mates & Dates high school relationship skills programme.

The programme started in 2014 after the Roast Busters scandal.

But within four years a national group of sexuality and health education experts, including teachers and researchers said the programme was a waste of money. — RNZ